Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders (Healthy Baked Chicken Strips)

These Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make for dinner, meal prep, or snacks. Coated in almond flour and seasonings, these baked chicken tenders have a crunchy texture without traditional breadcrumbs.

They’re perfect if you’re looking for:

• A healthier chicken tender recipe
• Gluten-free chicken tenders
• Low-carb chicken strips
• An easy baked chicken dinner

The almond coating creates a rich, nutty flavor while helping the chicken stay juicy inside.

Why Use Almond Flour for Chicken Tenders?

Many people prefer almond-flour chicken because it feels lighter while still delivering the texture of crispy chicken tenders.

Almond flour creates a crisp coating while keeping the recipe gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates than traditional breaded chicken. The results are healthy chicken tenders without sacrificing any flavor.

It also adds a slightly nutty flavor and browns beautifully when baked or air-fried.

Can You Make Almond Crusted Chicken in the Air Fryer?

Yes. Almond-crusted chicken tenders cook very well in the air fryer. Air frying helps create a crispy texture while using less oil than deep frying.

You can easily convert this recipe to an air fryer! Cook in batches and don’t layer so the air can circulate around the chicken for even browning. Read my detailed post on Air fryer conversion tips for specific details.

💡Tips for Almond Flour Chicken Tenders

Pat the chicken dry first

Dry chicken helps the coating stick better.

Don’t overcrowd the pan

Space between pieces allows better browning.

Spray lightly with oil

A light coating helps create crisp texture in the oven or air fryer.

Use a wire rack if baking

This improves airflow and helps both sides crisp evenly.

What to Serve with Keto Almond Crusted Chicken

Any of the sides below will be awesome with your chicken.

• roasted vegetables
• salad
• pasta salad
• dipping sauces
• coleslaw
• sweet potato fries

Frequently Asked Questions

Is almond crusted chicken gluten-free?

Yes, if all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

You can, though almond flour creates a finer texture.

Can I freeze almond crusted chicken tenders?

Yes. Freeze after cooking and reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Are almond flour chicken tenders keto-friendly?

Many almond flour chicken recipes fit low-carb or keto lifestyles depending on ingredients used.

Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe

1. You can pan fry the tenders in 1/2 inch oil if you prefer that to baking.
2. I lightened the Sriracha Dipping Sauce with light mayonnaise and fat-free Greek yogurt. You can use regular ingredients if you prefer.
3. I used a smokehouse flavored almond. You can use plain or any flavor you prefer.
4. You can substitute an egg white for the egg in the coating mixture.
5. Substitute 1% or fat-free milk, almond milk, or cashew milk in this recipe.
6. I highly recommend cooking the Almond Crusted Tenders Recipe on a wire rack otherwise the bottom will not get crispy.

I love the mixture of almonds and panko for this oven ‘fried’ chicken tenders. If you need keto and/or gluten-free it’s an easy swap and you can still enjoy a crunchy chicken tender!

• gluten-free crackers
• low carb crackers (also gluten-free) and I like these too.

Also try Almond Crusted Goat Cheese Rounds